Is a 1965 Johnson 3Hp a good motor?

[59 Fatty]

Thinking about buying this little motor. What are the pitfalls, and what should I be watchful of besides the regular stuff? The guy is asking $150.00 and says it has all the parts and is in good to very good condition. I am thinking about offering $75.00 is that fair? What else should go with it, if anything?

Thanks for any advice, as always it is greatly apprciated and most importantly, not wasted.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Is a 1965 Johnson 3Hp a good motor?

those are arguably the best motor made by any mfg ever! nice quiet little things, gas sippers and reliable. compression is crucial if you want to run slooowww! assume that the coils are cracked, and it needs an impeller and carb kit, have a look at the head also, just to see if its discolored due to an overheat. ( they are as tough as nails, so if it has good compression, a sign of overheat may not be bad, but could be used as a bargaining tool!)

edit: check the gear oil too

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: Is a 1965 Johnson 3Hp a good motor?

I have an early 3 Evinrude (and one waiting for my time and parts to undue some abuse) and they are great motors. My two two choices would be the 3 and the 18 for best motors ever. Made for quite a few years. nwcove told you everything you need to know. I could not add a thing. Running nicely I'd go a hundred. Otherwise seventy five would be reasonable if everything is there and it looks like it will be good to go with the recommended work. Just my opinion but it's a great little motor.

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: Is a 1965 Johnson 3Hp a good motor?

$150 is a bit pricy but then again how much would a new one be ....

if decent shape figure an extra $100 parts and you will have a nice trolling motor for years to come....and fun while fixing it !

I got a nice jw20b for 50$ and a fd for 25$ !! both run good

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Is a 1965 Johnson 3Hp a good motor?

Ive paid as little as 50 and as much as 450 for an extremely nice mint original that had sat in a closet for most of its life. Cosmetics are everything in these motors to me. I prefer they don't run myself.